France 2010 World Cup Odds: Les Bleus 16-1 Longshots

The 1998 World Cup Champions, France, will be entering the 2010 tournament with plenty of controversy and are 16-1 longshots in World Cup odds to lift the champions trophy once again. The French barely made it to the World Cup in South Africa only after a Thierry Henry handball helped Les Blues defeat the Republic of Ireland in qualifying. Then three of their front-line players (Franck Ribery, Sidney Govou, Karim Benzema) were cited by French police for their involvement in a prostitution ring.

Not to mention their head coach, Raymond Domenech, has been under major scrutiny in his homeland by fans and players alike since flopping in Euro 2008 and for his choice to leave out veteran midfielder Patrick Vieira. "We have been following Pat for a while, hoping he could make it to the World Cup," Domenech last week. "It's a difficult moment. We tried, he did too. It's tough but comes a time when you need to make a decision". The French are longshots in 2010 World Cup odds to win the tournament but are the favorites to win the Group A division over Uruguay, Mexico and the host nation South Africa. Domenech is hoping that the Real Madrid star, William Gallas, will be able to make the trip for Les Bleus and change their fortune as he continues to undergo rehab from a calf injury that has kept him sidelined since March.

If Gallas is unable to play, Sevilla defender Sebastien Squillaci will probably take his place. Bet France 16-1 as a longshot in 2010 World Cup odds to win the tournament. One player that still has hope for the Les Bleus squad is 29-year-old Manchester United defender Patrice Evra who will be joined in the backfield with Eric Abidal and Anthony Reveillere. "The French public don't believe in us anymore but the real supporters believe in us," said Evra. "Public opinion says that we're going on safari, that we're not the favorites. That could stir our pride. We're really hungry. We're doing this World Cup, not for the people who criticize us, but for our loved ones, for ourselves." Bet France EV money as a favorite in 2010 World Cup odds to win the Group A bracket.

France: 2010 World Cup Matches

June 11 - 20:30 Uruguay vs France
June 17 - 20:30 France vs Mexico
June 22 - 16:00 France vs South Africa